Asia Cup 2025, Super 4: Pakistan beats Sri Lanka by five wickets to keep campaign alive

In an error-strewn day for specialist batters, the level-headedness of all-rounders Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz saved the day as Pakistan clinched a nervy five-wicket win against Sri Lanka in a Super Four match of the Asia Cup at the Zayed Cricket Stadium here on Tuesday.

Talat and Nawaz joined forces as Pakistan struggled at 80 for five and blunted the Lankans by targeting their strike weapon, Wanindu Hasaranga. The leg-spinner had his tail up after bamboozling Saim Ayub and skipper Salman Agha with his googlies.

With Pakistan needing 47 from 42 balls with five wickets in hand, Nawaz collected consecutive fours in Hasaranga’s third over. Talat added two more boundaries off Hasaranga’s final over to deflate the Islanders.

Pakistan sealed the win with Nawaz smashing three sixes off Dushmantha Chameera in the 18th over and kept its campaign alive, leaving Sri Lanka at the mercy of other teams.

AS IT HAPPENED: PAK VS SL HIGHLIGHTS

Earlier, after electing to bowl, Pakistan’s pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, and Haris Rauf utilised the bowling-friendly conditions to rock Sri Lanka early. With the ball holding in the surface, Talat’s gentle medium pace also came in handy after the field spread, reducing Sri Lanka to 58 for five inside eight overs.

Afridi accounted for openers Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, while Rauf sent Kusal Perera back in the final over of the fielding restrictions. Talat’s lack of pace was a blessing in disguise for Pakistan as it resulted in Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka perishing off consecutive deliveries.

Kamindu Mendis and Hasaranga went into damage control mode, adding 22 runs off 28 balls, before the latter was bowled by Abrar Ahmed’s googly.

Kamindu scratched around before reaching his half-century off 43 balls with a miscued pull, and that encapsulated Sri Lanka’s innings, which never hit a higher gear.

Published on Sep 24, 2025